Ash collection device

Abstract

An ash collection device is proposed, comprising an ash discharge (1) and an ash container (2) downstream of the ash discharge (1), which has an inlet (3) and is movable between a filling position and a removal position. In the filling position, the ash discharge (1) is fluidically connected to the ash container (2). To design the ash collection device in such a way that it is not only space-saving and structurally simple for use in wood chip and pellet heating systems, but also allows for timely, quick, and clean replacement of the ash container, it is proposed that the inlet (3) of the ash container (2) be located at the bottom of the container and that a closing element (4) be provided for the ash container (2). This closing element opens the inlet (3) in the filling position and closes the inlet (3) in the removal position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ash collection device comprising an ash discharge and an ash container downstream of the ash discharge, the container having an inlet and being movable between a filling position and a removal position, wherein the ash discharge is fluidically connected to the ash container in the filling position. The invention also relates to an ash container and a method for operating an ash collection device.

[0002] Ash collection devices are known for wood chip and pellet heating systems, featuring a screw conveyor for ash removal and an ash container downstream of the ash removal system. Ash removal occurs at the bottom of the boiler, requiring the ash container to be filled via a bottom inlet. A disadvantage of this design, however, is that when the ash container is moved from a filling position to a emptying position, ash within the container escapes through the bottom inlet due to gravity. This inevitably leads to contamination in the ash removal area, making it increasingly difficult to move the ash container.

[0003] German patent DE 328247A describes an ash collection device for room heaters. As a replacement for an ash box, an ash bucket is provided as the ash container, which can be moved between a filling position and a removal position. In the filling position, the ash discharge of the room heater is connected to the ash container by flow, whereby the ash can be conveyed from inside the heater into the ash container from above using a shovel, within a hood placed on top of the ash container, where it collects at the bottom by gravity. Additionally, a sliding mechanism allows the hood to be closed towards the heater opening after the ash has been shoveled out, so that the ash is retained in the hood when the hood is separated from the heater opening.The advantage of this is that the ash removal area can be kept clean; however, it requires not only a large installation space and manual operation, but also waiting before moving the ash container until any ash stirred up by gravity has settled.

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an ash collection device of the type described above, which is not only space-saving and structurally simple to use for wood chip and pellet heating systems, but also allows the ash container to be changed in a timely, quick and clean manner.

[0005] The invention solves the problem by arranging the inlet of the ash container on the bottom side of the container and providing a closing element for the ash container which releases the inlet in the filling position and closes the inlet in the emptying position.

[0006] As a result of these measures, the ash container can be filled via a bottom-mounted ash discharge without a separate lifting device, thus preventing ash from being stirred up and preventing ash from escaping during container changes. The bottom-mounted inlet allows ash to be fed into the container against gravity. This has the advantage that the force required for the ash discharge provides information about the fill level of the ash container, enabling timely container changes. The closing element can be, for example, a slide or flap that can be opened by the ash discharge in the filling position and closes automatically when moved to the emptying position.

[0007] To reliably couple the closing of the inlet to the movement of the ash container into the emptying position with minimal design effort, it is proposed that a locking mechanism be provided that restrains the locking element during the movement of the ash container from the filling position to the emptying position. For example, the locking mechanism can engage the locking element when the ash container is moved from the emptying position to the filling position and lock the locking element in place, resulting in relative movement between the locking element and the rest of the ash container and thus causing the locking element to move in front of the inlet.

[0008] A particularly simple locking mechanism can incorporate a detachable latching connection to the locking element in the filling position. When the ash container is moved into the filling position, the locking element can engage with the locking mechanism. When the ash container is moved into the emptying position, the locking element, together with the locking mechanism, is first moved relative to the rest of the ash container until the locking element completely covers the opening. In this position, the locking element can contact a stop surface, so that further movement towards the emptying position, exceeding a predetermined tensile force, releases the latching connection and thus enables the ash container to be emptied.

[0009] For reliable, gravity-fed filling and secure closure of the ash container inlet in the emptying position, the inlet can be equipped with a pivoting flap. In the filling position, this flap acts as a stop, releasing the inlet for ash discharge, and / or in the emptying position, it closes the inlet due to gravity. The pivoting flap can either serve as the closure element itself or be provided in addition to an existing closure element, such as a sliding gate. "Gravity-fed" in this context means that the flap's own weight secures it in its closed position, or that the forces acting on the flap due to gravity ensure this closure. For this purpose, the flap can be inclined relative to the vertical in its closed position.For example, the flap can be hinged to the underside of the inlet and inclined towards the outside of the container in the closed position. In its open position, the flap can be pivoted at an angle to the vertical towards the inside of the container and rest against the ash discharge. This prevents any ash from settling on the flap, which would otherwise be discharged in the closed position. To reduce the inclination of the flap in the closed position, thereby reducing the overall height of the inlet and simultaneously ensuring reliable movement of the flap from the open to the closed position, a return spring connected to the actuator can be provided, or the flap itself can be made spring-loaded, for example, from spring steel. The ash discharge can thus be inserted into the inlet when the ash container is filled, where it moves the flap against a return force into its open position.When the ash container is moved into its removal position, the ash discharge unit can be pulled out of the inlet. The flap of the ash discharge unit then retracts, closing the inlet together with the extended unit, thus further preventing unwanted ash from escaping. If the flap is also equipped with a sealing element, it can close the inlet even before the sealing element fully covers it.

[0010] Simple positioning of the ash container for connecting the ash discharge system can be achieved by providing the ash container with a support that is guided within a container receptacle. The container receptacle can, for example, be a closed box with an opening at the ash container's inlet. The inlet and opening can be easily aligned using the guide. The guide can, for example, comprise two opposing guide grooves extending in the direction of displacement.

[0011] To keep the design as simple as possible, the support can surround the inlet, at least in sections, and encompass the closure element, which is movable relative to the inlet. This allows the inlet opening to run essentially in the direction of displacement, so that the inlet channel, which runs essentially transversely to the direction of displacement in sections, can be closed by a relative movement of the closure element in that direction. In this context, it is advantageous if the closing mechanism includes a detent element provided in the guide, which can be releasably engaged with the closure element of the support, so that moving the ash container into its removal position results in a relative movement of the closure element with respect to the support and thus closes the inlet.To ensure that the sealing element tightly closes the inlet, it is advantageous if the support, which forms a guide for the sealing element, surrounds the inlet at least partially, and in particular completely. Advantageously, the support can directly define the inlet opening.

[0012] To allow for space-saving storage and easy transport of the ash container without compromising safety, it can be advantageously designed as a flame-retardant bag. A flexible bag has the advantage of being foldable and easy to store, and when folded, it can be easily inserted into a container. Despite its bag-like design, its flame-retardant construction, for example, using flame-retardant textiles or an aluminum composite material, reduces the risk of fire. For easier removal from a container and for transport, the ash container can also be equipped with a handle.

[0013] The invention also relates to an ash container for use in an ash collection device. For space-saving storage and easy, clean relocation between filling and emptying positions, it is proposed that the ash container be designed as a flame-retardant bag comprising an inlet at the bottom of the container, a support that at least partially surrounds the inlet, and a closure element that is movable relative to the inlet. This allows not only the aforementioned advantages of a flexible bag to be utilized, but also enables insertion into and removal from an ash collection device according to the invention.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for operating an ash collection device. In a filling position, an ash container is initially filled with ash against gravity via an inlet at the bottom of the container by means of an ash discharge mechanism. The ash container is then moved from the filling position to a discharge position, at which point the inlet is simultaneously closed by a sealing element. This has the advantage that the ash does not first have to be conveyed upwards by an ash discharge mechanism and then redirected, thus making the method more space-efficient. This type of filling also means that, as the ash container fills up, the ash discharge mechanism must exert an increased force to displace the ash covering the inlet.Thus, the required force of the ash discharge system allows the system to determine the fill level of the ash container and initiate a timely ash container change. This prevents overfilling of the ash container, which would otherwise lead to unwanted ash spillage. After the ash container is filled, it is moved from the filling position to the emptying position, simultaneously closing the inlet with a sealing element. This eliminates the need for separate sealing of the ash container, as it closes automatically upon emptying. It can therefore be quickly disconnected from the ash discharge system and replaced if necessary.

[0015] The invention is illustrated in the drawing as an example. It shows Fig. 1 shows a section through an ash collection device in which the ash discharge is flow-connected to the ash container; Fig. 2 shows a section through an ash collection device in which the ash discharge is separate from the ash container; Fig. 3 shows a section through an ash collection device in which the ash container is moved into a removal position; and Fig. 4 shows a section along axis IV-IV of the Fig. 3 , in which the ash container is moved into a removal position.

[0016] An ash collection device according to the invention comprises an ash discharge 1 and an ash container 2 connected to the ash discharge 1 in a flow direction. The ash container 2 has a bottom inlet 3, which is located in the Fig. 1 The filling position shown is released by a closure element 4. The ash discharge 1 can project into the ash container 2 via the inlet 3. A pivoting flap 5 is spring-loaded and, for example, hinged to the underside of the inlet 3 by a return spring. It is pivoted by the ash discharge 1 against the return force into a release position. The flap 5 rests against the ash discharge 1, which forms an inlet channel 6 through which introduced ash is diverted in a vertical direction A, namely opposite to gravity.

[0017] In Fig. 2 The ash discharge 1 is shown separately from the ash container 2. The pivoting flap 5 closes the inlet 3 of the ash container 2, yielding to the restoring force, and is inclined towards the outside of the container relative to the vertical. This ensures that the flap 5 is held even more securely in its closed position, not only by the restoring force but also by its own weight and the weight of any ash present in the ash container 2.

[0018] In Fig. 3 The ash collection device according to the invention is shown, in which the ash container 2 is moved into a removal position. Solid lines represent an initial position with the inlet 3 approximately 75% closed, and dashed lines represent an end position with the inlet 3 completely closed. The ash container 2 has a support 7 which is guided in a container receptacle 8 and facilitates movement and positioning. During the movement from the filling position to the removal position, the closing element 4 is secured by a retaining locking mechanism 9, resulting in relative movement between the closing element 4 and the remaining portion of the ash container 2, and thus in the closing element 4 being moved in front of the inlet 3.In the illustration shown, the retaining locking mechanism 9 is formed by a detent body 10, which was initially engaged with the locking element 4 in the starting position and which is released in the end position.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows a section along axis IV-IV of the Fig. 3 In the initial position, it is evident that the inlet 3 of the ash container 2 moves away from the opening for ash discharge 11 when moved into the removal position, thereby simultaneously bringing the closing element 4 in front of the inlet 3 relative to the rest of the ash container 2. Guidance is achieved by two opposing guide grooves 12 extending in the direction of movement.

Claims

1. Ash collection device comprising an ash discharge (1) and an ash container (2) downstream of the ash discharge (1) having an inlet 3, which is movable between a filling position and a removal position, wherein the ash discharge (1) is fluidically connected to the ash container (2) in the filling position, characterized by the fact that the inlet (3) of the ash container (2) is arranged on the bottom side of the container and a closing element (4) is provided for the ash container (2) which releases the inlet (3) in the filling position and closes the inlet (3) in the removal position.

2. Ash collection device according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that a locking mechanism (9) is provided which retains the locking element (4) when the ash container (2) is moved from the filling position to the removal position.

3. Ash collection device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatthe retaining locking mechanism (9) has a detachable locking connection (10) connected to the locking element (4) in the filling position.

4. Ash collection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that The inlet (3) of the ash container (2) has a pivoting flap (5) which, in the filling position, forms a stop releasing the inlet (3) for the ash discharge (1) and, in the removal position, closes the inlet (3) due to gravity.

5. Ash collection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the ash container (2) has a support (7) which is guided in a container receptacle.

6. Ash collection device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the carrier (7) surrounds the inlet (3) at least in sections and includes the closure element (4) which is movable relative to the inlet (3).

7. Ash collection device according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized by the fact thatthe ash container (2) is designed as a flame-retardant bag.

8. Ash container, characterized by a flame-retardant bag comprising an inlet (3) on the bottom of the container, a support (7) which surrounds the inlet (3) at least partially, and a closure element (4) which is movable relative to the inlet (3).

9. Method for operating an ash collection device, characterized by the fact that An ash container (2) in a filling position is first filled with ash against gravity via an ash discharge (1) through an inlet (3) on the bottom of the container, after which the ash container (2) is moved from the filling position to a removal position, whereby the inlet (3) is simultaneously closed by a closing element (4).

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